Arthur Abraham (35-3, 27 KOs) has entered the ring in Nuremberg, Germany on two previous occasions. However, the fight against Mehdi Bouadla (26-4, 11 KOs) will be something special. For the first time ever, the prodigy of Coach Ulli Wegner will make his way to the squared circle as the WBO Super-Middleweight World Champion. Hence, King Arthur is very excited about returning to Franconia.
Arthur Abraham, on August 25 you won an exciting fight against Robert Stieglitz and consequently took over as the reigning WBO Super-Middleweight World Champion. What has changed since then?
Arthur Abraham: I am just more relaxed than before. Of course, my finances have also changed since then. But that is about it. Understandably, I was very relieved once I had that belt around my waist.
Before you moved up a division, you were the IBF Middleweight World Champion. Are you even more motivated than before, now that you won the world title in the heavier division?
Arthur Abraham: Most definitely. My motivation is immense. Everybody would be happy to call themselves a two-division world champion.
Does that effect your preparation in any sort of way?
Arthur Abraham: Your attitude towards training changes. When I was younger, my mind was wandering around. But the more experienced you get, the more focused you become and you start realizing that professional sport is a serious business. I try to keep mistakes to a minimum – and I train a little
bit harder each day.
In which areas have you developed yourself in the last months?
Arthur Abraham: You develop on a daily basis in many different aspects such as physically and you become more disciplined. I think that I work even harder than ever before.
You are finally returning to Nuremberg. You have very special memories of the city in Franconia…
Arthur Abraham: That’s correct. During my amateur days, I was part of 1. FC Nürnberg and my coach back then was Uwe Schulz. We had some great times together. In 1997, I became the International Champion of Germany as well as the Bavarian Champion. Those are great memories.
After you turned pro, you had two fights in Nuremberg. The first was in 2003 against Cezary Piotrowski followed by a fight with Howard Eastman two years later…
Arthur Abraham: Back then, I was part of the undercard for a main event. Now I am returning for the first time as the main event of the evening. However, I also have some painful memories of Nuremberg. I cracked my rips during the Eastman fight. That hurt quite a lot and it showed in my performance.
This time you will be facing Mehdi Bouadla. What are your thoughts on him?
Arthur Abraham: Mehdi Bouadla is a real fighter. He is always looking for one-on-one situations. I am hoping to stop him early in order for him not to land as many hard shots in return. Those could be very dangerous.
What are your plans for the future?
Arthur Abraham: First, I want to win on December 15. Once the new year has started, I will start thinking about my next steps. I want to hold on to my title for quite a while!
